Wildfire smoke is affecting millions right now. Here’s what experts say to do

Air quality warnings affecting communities from Arizona to New York are a reminder that you don’t have to be anywhere near a wildfire to feel its effects. Fine particles in wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of miles and remain in dangerous concentrations long after the visible haze has disappeared, affecting the lungs, hearts and respiratory systems at levels that most people underestimate.

With wildfires actively burning on the northern rim of the Grand Canyon and across four Canadian provinces simultaneously, we asked two air pollution researchers, Dan Westervelt of Columbia University and Richard Peltier of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, what people in affected communities should do now.

How dangerous is poor air quality?

Poor air quality can pose a risk to everyone, especially people with: respiratory problems such as asthma, individuals with lung and heart disease, the elderly and pregnant women.

Exposure to wood smoke from burning trees or homes is particularly linked to causing asthma attacks and worsening heart disease. This makes people more susceptible to respiratory infections and leads to increased deaths.

“Some people may think that wood smoke should be harmless because it comes from a natural resource, in trees, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” Peltier said. “We know that wood smoke contains many toxic chemicals, some of which are known carcinogens, and there is clear evidence in the world of scientific research linking wood smoke exposure to really important adverse health outcomes.”

5 expert-backed ways to protect yourself from smoke

Here are some high-impact steps to take to protect yourself when faced with air pollution from wildfires and beyond, according to Westervelt and Peltier.

1. Keep windows and doors closed

Remove any way smoke can get into the house, where it can stay. Close doors and windows, and check the insulation around their frames to ensure that no air leaks into them.

2. Use air purification and upgrade filters

Use any Your air purifiers. If you have an air conditioner, replace its filter with a new one to help clean the air.

Peltier also suggested asking your HVAC technician to upgrade your unit’s filters to higher MERV ratings at your next system service. MERV is an industry standard that describes how well filters are able to remove particles—the best filters have higher MERV ratings, typically 13 and above. Not all HVAC systems will tolerate higher MERV filters, so it’s important to get expert advice first.

“It’s important to note that most window air conditioning units are not very helpful at filtering out these particles,” Peltier said. “The filter materials they use have a very low MERV and don’t do much.”

3. Do not use devices that receive outside air

Some appliances, such as air conditioners or ventilation systems, are equipped to bring in outside air as they operate. Either turn these appliances off or set them on recirculation modes so they don’t reach smoke-filled outside air. When the smoke is gone, start moving outside air in to freshen things up.

4. Avoid using gas-powered appliances – or vacuum cleaners

Don’t use anything that can worsen the air quality in your home. The most common examples are gas-powered appliances, such as ovens. I was I was amazed at how low my air quality was When I used my gas furnace in a closed home, the same can be said for other appliances that run on natural gas or propane.

Also, avoid vacuuming for now. Vacuum cleaners stir up a lot of dust into the air, which worsens air quality and makes it difficult for filters to do their job. Vacuum once smoke clears.

5. Limit the time you spend outdoors and wear a mask

Limiting outdoor time is crucial when air quality is poor, but if you have to leave your home, Westervelt suggests wearing a face mask and avoiding strenuous activities that lead to heavy breathing, such as jogging or running. Peltier and Westervelt also recommend that everyone in your household wear an N95 or KN95 mask, although a well-fitting surgical mask can also help block the majority of particles.

Air purifiers can help — if you get the right one

Although air purifiers have become more widespread during the COVID-19 era, experts are divided on how effective they are. Manufacturers in the United States are not allowed to market air purifiers as health products, though, according to CNET Practical test training Some have shown to effectively filter particles from the air, especially if they use a HEPA filter.

“For indoor air quality, many air purifiers work well, especially those that use high-efficiency particulate filters,” Westervelt said.

we Get a guide on choosing an air purifier Specifically to deal with wildfire smoke like what we’re seeing now across North America. CNET’s personal favorite is affordable yet effective Levoit Air Purifier ($100)which includes HEPA filtration and continuous monitoring of particles in the air so you can check your air quality at a glance.

Westervelt recommends avoiding air purifiers that generate ozone, which will be identified as electrostatic and ionizing air purifiers. US Environmental Protection Agency It also warns of the danger of ozone– Generating purifiers, because ozone molecules can lead to harmful health consequences such as damage to the lungs.

Air purifiers can be an effective way to clean the air, but there are two important aspects to remember: They should be the right size for the space you’re trying to keep clean, and those spaces should remain closed to the outdoors, Peltier said. It is recommended to use it only in places where you spend most of your time and move the machine from one room to another. For example, move it to your bedroom at night or to the living room during the day.

Stay informed and be prepared

Westervelt also mentioned that air quality forecasts can give you an accurate reading on the weather Air quality index for specific area. recommend airnow.gov As a real-time source to find air quality data for your city, state or zip code.

Peltier said to hope for the best but be prepared for the worst, considering the health risks associated with constant exposure to smoke.

“We take about 20,000 breaths a day, and this happens whether the air is polluted or clean,” Peltier said. “When we breathe, we inhale air, but also the suspended contents in that air, including pollutants, and draw them into the deepest parts of our lungs. This delivers a wide range of different chemicals into our bodies that cause many adverse health effects.”

For more tips to stay safe, read on How air purifiers can protect you from poor air quality What to consider when shopping Best air purifier. You should also make sure An air purifier in the right place And he Cleans To make sure it is working properly.